The Ancient City of Myra is one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in Turkey and among the finest surviving cities of the ancient Lycian civilization. Located near the modern town of Demre, approximately 140 km southwest of Antalya and 25 km west of Finike, Myra is renowned for its spectacular rock-cut tombs, magnificent Roman theatre, and its close association with St. Nicholas, the historical figure who inspired the legend of Santa Claus.
Surrounded by fertile plains filled with orange groves and greenhouses, Myra offers visitors an unforgettable journey through more than 2,500 years of history. Once one of the most powerful cities of the Lycian League and later an important Roman and Byzantine metropolis, Myra remains one of the Mediterranean’s most fascinating archaeological destinations.
History
The exact date of Myra’s foundation remains unknown, but archaeological discoveries, inscriptions, and the style of its famous rock-cut tombs indicate that the settlement existed as early as the 5th century BC, well before the Hellenistic period.
Situated on the banks of the ancient Myros River (today’s Demre Çayı), Myra prospered thanks to its fertile surroundings and strategic position along the Lycian coast. During the Hellenistic era it developed into one of Lycia’s principal cities and eventually became one of the six leading members of the Lycian League, each entitled to three votes in the federal assembly.
The city began minting its own coins during the 3rd century BC, reflecting its growing political and economic importance.
Myra During the Roman Empire
Myra reached the height of its prosperity during the Roman Imperial period, particularly throughout the 2nd century AD.
The devastating earthquake of 141 AD caused enormous destruction throughout Lycia, including Myra. Reconstruction was made possible through generous donations from wealthy Lycian benefactors such as Opramoas of Rhodiapolis, one of the greatest philanthropists of antiquity, together with Roman officials including Lucius Magnus, the provincial governor.
The city was rebuilt with magnificent public buildings, temples, baths, streets, and one of the largest theatres in Asia Minor.
Roman emperors were honored with monuments and inscriptions in Myra. Historical records mention visits by Germanicus and Agrippina, while Emperor Augustus (Octavian) and Tiberius received exceptional honors from the city’s inhabitants.
Around 60 AD, St. Paul stopped at Myra during his voyage to Rome, changing ships before continuing his journey across the Mediterranean.
The City of St. Nicholas
Myra achieved worldwide fame during the Byzantine period as the home of St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra.
Living during the early 4th century, St. Nicholas became famous for his generosity, compassion, and numerous miracles. His charitable acts eventually inspired the legend of Santa Claus, making Myra one of Christianity’s most important pilgrimage destinations throughout the Middle Ages.
After his death in 343 AD (traditionally commemorated as 342 or 343), pilgrims from across Europe and the Byzantine Empire visited Myra seeking healing and blessings.
During the reign of Emperor Theodosius II (408–450 AD), Myra became the metropolitan capital of Lycia and one of the region’s most influential religious centers.
Decline of Myra
Beginning in the 7th century, repeated Arab raids weakened the city considerably.
Natural disasters compounded its decline. The Myros River frequently flooded, depositing thick layers of mud and silt over much of the settlement. Gradually, many buildings became buried beneath sediment, and the population eventually moved closer to the coast, where modern Demre now stands.
Today, many ancient structures remain remarkably well preserved despite centuries of abandonment.
The Roman Theatre
The Roman theatre of Myra is considered one of the largest, best-preserved, and most impressive ancient theatres in Turkey.
Built against the southern slope of the acropolis, the theatre could accommodate approximately 10,000 spectators.
Its remarkable features include:
- 35 rows of seating arranged in two levels
- Excellent acoustics
- Large vaulted entrance corridors
- Monumental stage building decorated with elaborate sculptures
- Rich architectural ornamentation
- Extensive carved theatrical masks
The theatre remains so well preserved that it still hosts occasional cultural events, concerts, festivals, and traditional Turkish wrestling competitions.
One particularly interesting inscription inside the western gallery reads:
“The Place of Gelasius the Peddler.”
This simple inscription suggests that nearly 2,000 years ago spectators could purchase food and drinks from local vendors—much like modern concession stands in today’s cinemas and sports arenas.
The Lycian Rock Tombs
The most iconic monuments of Myra are its extraordinary rock-cut tombs, carved directly into the steep limestone cliffs overlooking the theatre.
These tombs represent one of the finest surviving examples of Lycian funerary architecture.
The Lycians believed that burying the dead high above the ground allowed winged creatures or divine beings to carry their souls more easily into the afterlife.
Many tombs imitate:
- Wooden Lycian houses
- Temple façades
- Multi-storey residences
- Monumental shrines
Despite being carved entirely from solid rock, the tombs reproduce wooden architectural details with astonishing precision.
The Main Necropolis
The western necropolis beside the theatre contains dozens of richly decorated tombs featuring elaborate relief sculptures.
Among the most remarkable are:
- Family banquets carved above entrances
- Warriors carrying shields and spears
- Funeral scenes
- Domestic family life
- Mythological figures
- Decorative floral carvings
One famous relief depicts the tomb owner reclining on a ceremonial couch while his wife, children, and servants gather around him.
Another portrays a touching farewell between a father preparing for battle and his young son presenting his helmet and shield.
Most of these reliefs date from the late 5th and early 4th centuries BC.
The Painted Tomb
On the eastern side of the hill lies the famous River Necropolis, home to the celebrated Painted Tomb.
Accessed by a flight of stone steps, this tomb once displayed vividly painted reliefs.
British explorer Sir Charles Fellows, who visited Myra in 1840, recorded surviving traces of blue, yellow, and red pigments decorating its sculptures.
Although the paint has long disappeared, the reliefs remain among the finest examples of Lycian art.
They portray:
- Family banquets
- Daily domestic life
- Servants carrying jewelry boxes
- Parents with children
- Noblemen holding ceremonial staffs
Nearby stands another temple-style tomb decorated with an impressive relief showing a lion attacking a bull, symbolizing power and the eternal struggle between opposing forces.
The Acropolis
Above the theatre rises the ancient acropolis, where visitors can still see:
- Defensive city walls
- Watchtowers
- Residential buildings
- Byzantine churches
- Water cisterns
- Fortification remains from different historical periods
These structures illustrate Myra’s continuous occupation from the Classical Lycian period through Roman and Byzantine times.
Archaeological Significance
Myra is regarded as one of the most important archaeological sites in the eastern Mediterranean because it preserves monuments from multiple civilizations.
Excavations continue to reveal:
- Roman streets
- Public baths
- Temples
- Byzantine churches
- Inscriptions
- Sculptures
- Mosaic floors
- Ancient water systems
Ongoing archaeological work continues to uncover previously buried sections of the city.
Top Attractions
Visitors should not miss:
- The spectacular Lycian rock-cut tombs
- The magnificent Roman theatre
- The ancient acropolis
- The River Necropolis
- The Painted Tomb
- Byzantine churches
- Ancient city walls
- Roman inscriptions
- Decorative relief sculptures
- Archaeological excavation areas
Things to Do
- Explore one of Turkey’s finest ancient cities.
- Photograph the world-famous cliff tombs.
- Walk through the remarkably preserved Roman theatre.
- Visit the nearby Church of St. Nicholas.
- Learn about Lycian civilization.
- Join a guided archaeological tour.
- Combine your visit with the sunken city of Kekova.
- Explore the scenic countryside around Demre.
- Visit the local museum to view sculptures discovered at Myra.
- Enjoy local Mediterranean cuisine in Demre.
Excursions and Tours
Myra is frequently included in day trips along the Turkish Riviera.
Popular excursions include:
- Myra – St. Nicholas Church – Kekova boat tour
- Demre and Kekova full-day excursion
- Lycian Civilization heritage tours
- Antalya to Myra cultural day trips
- Kaş, Kalkan and Demre archaeological tours
- Blue Cruise itineraries stopping near Kekova
Food and Drink
Restaurants in Demre specialize in fresh Mediterranean cuisine, including:
- Grilled sea bass and sea bream
- Fresh calamari and octopus
- Olive oil appetizers (meze)
- Pide and gözleme
- Local citrus fruits
- Pomegranate juice
- Turkish tea and coffee
- Traditional desserts such as baklava and künefe
Accommodation
Accommodation options nearby include:
- Boutique hotels in Demre
- Family-run guesthouses
- Beach hotels along the coast
- Holiday apartments
- Eco-lodges
- Luxury resorts in nearby Kaş and Kalkan
Best Time to Visit
Myra can be visited throughout the year.
Spring (March–May) offers mild temperatures and blooming countryside.
Autumn (September–November) provides pleasant weather with fewer visitors.
Summer is ideal for combining archaeological sightseeing with Mediterranean beaches, although afternoons can be very hot.
Winter remains comfortable compared to much of Europe and attracts visitors interested in religious tourism and the annual St. Nicholas commemorations.
Getting There
By Car
- Antalya: approximately 2.5–3 hours
- Kaş: about 45 minutes
- Finike: approximately 30 minutes
- Kalkan: around 1 hour
By Bus
Regular intercity buses connect Demre with Antalya, Kaş, Finike, Fethiye, and other towns along Turkey’s Mediterranean coast.
By Air
The nearest airport is Antalya Airport, about 150 km away.
Nearby Attractions
A visit to Myra can easily be combined with several outstanding nearby destinations:
- Church of St. Nicholas (Demre)
- Kekova Island and the Sunken City
- Simena (Kaleköy)
- Andriake Ancient Port
- Finike
- Kaş
- Olympos
- Phaselis
- Patara Ancient City
- Saklıkent Gorge
Travel Tips
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and the best lighting for photography.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the archaeological site includes uneven ancient pathways.
- Bring drinking water, sunscreen, and a hat during summer.
- Allow at least two to three hours to fully explore the theatre, tombs, and acropolis.
- A guided tour greatly enhances the experience by explaining the history, symbolism, and architecture of the Lycian tombs.
- Combine your visit with the nearby Church of St. Nicholas and a boat trip to Kekova for a full day exploring the rich cultural heritage of ancient Lycia.
